The Trump administration's push to build more data centers could inadvertently open the door for the approval of new, potentially toxic chemicals known as "forever chemicals." The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a new policy aimed at expediting the review process for chemicals used in data centers, which could lead to the fast-track approval of these chemicals with limited oversight.
Critics argue that this policy could allow companies to slip new or existing chemicals through the regulatory system without thorough scrutiny. Former EPA official Greg Schweer notes that "there are some really big loopholes" in the new policy, which could be exploited by chemical manufacturers to get their products approved quickly.
The new policy targets chemicals used in data centers or related projects, including those used in cooling systems. These chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been linked to human health problems such as cancer, reproductive issues, and suppressed immune response. The European Union has proposed a strict ban on PFAS, while several US states are moving to restrict or eliminate the chemicals.
Industry groups, including the Semiconductor Industry Association, have lobbied for changes to the EPA's new-chemicals program, which could enable companies to use the policy to get approval for their products without undergoing rigorous testing. Critics say that this approach prioritizes growth over safety and ignores the long-term implications of allowing these chemicals into the environment.
Experts warn that the new policy could have significant consequences for public health and the environment. "Making it quicker and easier for chemicals to go through the EPA is a pro-growth move," says one expert, but "there's definitely long-term safety implications."
Critics argue that this policy could allow companies to slip new or existing chemicals through the regulatory system without thorough scrutiny. Former EPA official Greg Schweer notes that "there are some really big loopholes" in the new policy, which could be exploited by chemical manufacturers to get their products approved quickly.
The new policy targets chemicals used in data centers or related projects, including those used in cooling systems. These chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been linked to human health problems such as cancer, reproductive issues, and suppressed immune response. The European Union has proposed a strict ban on PFAS, while several US states are moving to restrict or eliminate the chemicals.
Industry groups, including the Semiconductor Industry Association, have lobbied for changes to the EPA's new-chemicals program, which could enable companies to use the policy to get approval for their products without undergoing rigorous testing. Critics say that this approach prioritizes growth over safety and ignores the long-term implications of allowing these chemicals into the environment.
Experts warn that the new policy could have significant consequences for public health and the environment. "Making it quicker and easier for chemicals to go through the EPA is a pro-growth move," says one expert, but "there's definitely long-term safety implications."
. I mean, think about it - if companies can just slip these toxic chemicals through without thorough scrutiny, it's gonna be a disaster 
. We already know that PFAS are linked to some pretty serious health problems... cancer, reproductive issues, immune system suppression... yikes! 
And now we're making it easier for them to get approved? It just doesn't add up 
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. We need to make sure that any new chemicals being introduced into our ecosystem are rigorously tested and proven safe first 
. This policy is basically creating a shortcut for companies to get ahead without caring about the long-term consequences 
. I hope the EPA reconsider their approach ASAP 
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. They're basically cutting corners on toxic chemicals that can cause serious health problems. Like, what's more important - getting data centers built faster or not poisoning the planet? 
The fact that industry groups are pushing for this policy just shows how short-sighted they are. These aren't just chemicals, they're chemicals that have been proven to have severe consequences for human health. I'm all for innovation and growth, but not at the expense of our safety and the environment. It's time for some real oversight here 
. If it allows companies to rush in new, toxic chemicals without proper testing, we're playing with fire 
. I mean, PFAS are already bad news, linked to all sorts of health problems... cancer, reproductive issues, immune system suppression - yikes! 
And now, just because it's a "pro-growth move", we're gonna ignore the long-term risks? No thanks 
. We need stricter regulations, not loopholes that let corporations cut corners. What about our health and the environment? 
. We gotta prioritize safety over profits, you know? We're all connected, what affects one of us affects everyone else. So let's make sure we're not sacrificing our health and well-being for the sake of convenience or a quick buck 
. It's time to think about the long game and our collective future 
.
this new policy by the Trump administration sounds super sketchy to me... like they're prioritizing corporate profits over people's health and the planet 
and I'm worried that companies are gonna take advantage of them to get these toxic chemicals approved without proper testing. We can't just ignore the long-term implications of allowing these chemicals into our environment, you know? It's like they're playing a game of 'growth over safety' 
. The EU is on the right track with their ban on PFAS, and I hope our states are taking similar steps to restrict or eliminate these chemicals too 
Those PFAS chemicals sound super sketchy too... cancer and reproductive issues? That's just not right. We need stricter regulations, not some quick-fix solution that prioritizes growth over safety.